What makes us human?

Question

On Channel 4 at 8.10 pm tonight!

(See previous question for philosophical answers)
What makes us human? - from Crissy - 40 answer(s)

Please only non-philosophical answers to avoid repetition!

The progamme on TV suggested that the size of your brain appeared to be an important determinant when comparing us with chimps. Does this mean that some people are more human than others?

Answer 1

i think that what separates us from other animal life on this planet is the ability to shape our environment to suit our own needs. Hence there are human populations living in every climate from the arctic to the saharan deserts. We are endowed with a brain that allows us to think logically and to reason. This gives us unique problem solving abilities that allow us to interact with our environment without the need to evolve physical features that would enhance our survival.
Animals adapt slowly over time to environmental pressures eg growing fur, developing claws, digging burrows etc. Some primates also exhibit basic tool using skills, but so do some birds.
Some people may say that we have morals, or have a sense of mortality. This is subjective and in no way can be proved. It is true that humans have a highly developed social structure, evolving from our needs as social and interdependant primates - and if we look to a leader, then our sense of logic would have us require that our leader be subject to some higher law. Religious belief fits that bill.
Others would say that we are able to diagnose and treat disease - ie using medicines. Some animals recognise certain plants that have painkilling properties eg red deer in scotland will eat the bark of willow trees - this contains salicylic acid which is basically aspirin. (i think they get headaches from all gunshots in the grouse hunting season!)
What about using drugs recreationally - humans have fermented fruits and vegetables ever since the first bad day! In africa there is an apple like tree whose fruit rapidly ferments when it falls from the tree. I cant remember the name of the plant, but i do know that gazelle, baboons etc congregate to eat their fill and basically get drunk!
Love? We have all seen the maternal instinct present in many mammals, and indeed in other creatures. Elephants have been shown to emotionally cry over the remains of loved ones.
Education? True, Ive not come across elephant universities, but many animal parents take time to nurture and teach their offspring the skills they need to survive both in terms of catching prey and in their social skills.
Murder? Are humans the only ones that murder for reasons other than food/defence? No - many carnivores will kill for the sheer hell of killing. Chimpanzees have been recorded on film ganging up on one smaller ape and tearing it to pieces and eating the remains. And this a member of their own tribe.
I hope this helps!

Answer 2

I did not watch the program you referred to.

I believe an emotional response to the needs and welfare of others, seeking something outside our personal basic needs, spiritual questing, reading and creating music and art makes us human.
Selecting a career, caring about our performance are some other things too, that I think are unique traits of humans.
Keeping records of our deeds and accomplishments and logs of weather, climate, and diaries of our days are human persuits.
Just thinking about tomorrow and yesterday and
hoping and praying distinguish us from non humans.
Lily

Answer 3

id be smart and say watch the tv show,but i read the book already and all i am going to say is to be human is to be devine and have the freedom to love and question life.

Answer 4

Dreaming of something better

Answer 5

love and kindness we show to others when they are in need of that

Answer 6

the milkmans sperm attached to my mums eggs

Answer 7

THE NATURE TO FORGIVE AND FORGET MAKES US HUMAN

Answer 8

I'm watching any other channel.

Answer 9

a soul

Answer 10

logic and us knowing that we're gonna die eventually